There is something incredibly comforting about the Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe that just feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. This hearty dish blends tender chicken, sweet potatoes, and a creamy, cheesy sauce into one irresistible casserole. It captures the essence of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together in the most satisfying way, making it a perfect meal for family dinners or when you crave that classic homemade goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe stays true to its Amish roots by using wholesome and straightforward ingredients that each add their own magic. From the natural sweetness of the potatoes to the velvety smoothness of the cream of mushroom soup, every component plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color.
- 4 chicken breasts, cooked and diced: The protein base that adds heartiness and soaks up all those rich flavors.
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed: They bring a natural sweetness and lovely orange color to brighten the dish.
- 1/2 cup frozen peas: A pop of color and a hint of freshness to keep things lively.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: For that golden, melty topping that makes a casserole irresistible.
- 1/2 cup cream of mushroom soup: The creamy binding agent that keeps every bite luscious.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Adds a tangy richness that deepens the flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sauté the sweet potatoes to tender perfection.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A subtle herbaceous note to elevate the casserole.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to bring all the flavors together beautifully.
How to Make Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s at the ideal temperature by the time you’re ready to bake your casserole, setting you up for a perfectly cooked dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Sweet Potatoes
In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and gently sauté those cubed sweet potatoes for about 10–12 minutes until they become tender. This step caramelizes their natural sugars, enhancing the sweetness and adding a subtle depth of flavor that is essential to the dish.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, dried thyme, along with salt and pepper. This mixture forms the luscious sauce that binds every ingredient together with creamy richness and an herbal twist.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Fold in the diced chicken, frozen peas, and sautéed sweet potatoes into the creamy mixture. Make sure everything is evenly coated so that every bite delivers those wonderful, harmonious flavors.
Step 5: Assemble and Top
Transfer this beautiful mixture into a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top — this will create that irresistible bubbly, golden crust we all look forward to in an Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown on the edges, inviting you to dive right in.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven, let it cool just slightly, and serve warm. This dish shines best when enjoyed fresh and hot, promising comfort and satisfaction in every mouthful.
How to Serve Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few thyme sprigs on top adds a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that elevates the casserole’s rustic charm. Adding a dash of cracked black pepper right before serving can also enhance the flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or steamed green beans to add lightness and balance. A slice of warm, crusty bread can also be fantastic for mopping up any creamy goodness left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family meal, serve it directly from the baking dish placed in the center of the table, inviting everyone to dig in together. Alternatively, portion it into individual ramekins for a charming, personalized serving—perfect for dinner parties or special occasions where presentation matters.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, which is quite possible because this dish is that delicious, allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully, maintaining its creamy texture and flavors.
Freezing
The Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe also freezes well. Once assembled but before baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, place your casserole or individual portions in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. Uncover for the final 5 minutes to revive that bubbly cheesy top.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a bit more flavor and moisture, making the casserole even richer. Just make sure they’re cooked and diced before mixing into the casserole.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe?
Yes! Replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or cauliflower, and use vegetable cream soup or a homemade sauce to keep it vegetarian-friendly while maintaining that creamy texture.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole the night before, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake it fresh the next day. This makes it perfect for busy schedules or entertaining.
What can I substitute if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
You can use cream of chicken soup or create a simple homemade white sauce with butter, flour, milk, and mushrooms for a fresher take that works just as well.
Is sweet potato essential, or can I use regular potatoes?
While sweet potatoes give this casserole its signature sweetness and vibrant color, regular potatoes work too. Keep in mind that the flavor will be a bit more neutral and less sweet.
Final Thoughts
There is truly something timeless and heartwarming about the Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe that I just love sharing. It is ease and comfort wrapped into one dish, perfect for any night when you crave that satisfying home-cooked meal. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite to turn to again and again.
Print
Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Amish Harvest Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, sweet sautéed potatoes, peas, and a creamy mushroom sauce topped with melted cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make casserole brings together wholesome ingredients with savory flavors, perfect for a family dinner during cooler months.
Ingredients
Protein
- 4 chicken breasts, cooked and diced
Vegetables
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Pantry
- 1/2 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Sweet Potatoes: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes and sauté for 10 to 12 minutes until they are tender and lightly browned, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Mix Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked and diced chicken, frozen peas, and sautéed sweet potatoes into the sauce mixture. Stir gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Prepare Casserole: Grease a baking dish with a little oil or cooking spray. Transfer the mixed casserole ingredients into the dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top to create a melted cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheddar cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving hot. Enjoy this wholesome and delicious Amish Harvest Casserole!
Notes
- You can cook the chicken by baking, grilling, or poaching before dicing to suit your preference.
- For added flavor, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top before serving.
- Use low-fat sour cream or reduced-fat cheddar cheese to make this dish lighter.
- Make sure the sweet potatoes are tender to ensure even cooking in the casserole.
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add extra baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
